FIFA Might Ruin World Cup Aspirations for Goalkeeper Topping Champions League Saves

The International Football Association known as FIFA seems to have notified the Norwegian Football Association that Haikin fails to satisfy the regulations in the statutes about the duration of residence in the nation where one intends to represent.

We remain in discussions with FIFA and at present hold no further remarks on the matter. We shall provide additional details once we are able to do so, states Communications Director Ragnhild Ask Connell of the Norwegian FA in a note to NTB.

Haikin shone brightly throughout Bodo/Glimts run in the Champions League this year, as the under the radar Norwegians advanced to the Round of 16 prior to their defeat by Sporting CP. Making 74 saves across 12 matches, he stands as the player with the highest number of saves in the competition.

The goalkeeper for Bodo/Glimt has obtained Norwegian citizenship and sought to transfer federations from Russia, where he featured at Under 21 level.

Haikin received Norwegian citizenship in April. He also possesses Russian, Israeli, and British citizenships. From 2019 onwards, he has resided in Bodo, excluding a brief spell in 2023 when, between January and March, he featured for Bristol Rovers.

Upon receiving his citizenship in April, the national team coach Stale Solbakken indicated that Haikin would be evaluated on equal terms with others regarding selection for Norways World Cup team.

Players qualify to change countries under five distinct conditions. For a national team switch, individuals must possess citizenship of the target nation and typically have participated in no more than three competitive senior fixtures before turning 21, with zero appearances in final tournaments such as the World Cup or continental events.

The individual must not have represented a prior nation at senior official level, and such a change of association is permitted only once, pending clearance from the FIFA Players Status Chamber.

A regulation added in 2021 permits players with as many as three senior international appearances prior to age 21 to alter their national allegiance. Before that, the guideline prohibited switches after any senior cap in a competitive fixture.